According to a new report from Mundo Deportivo, French defender Alexis Longley has become a hot commodity in the La Liga transfer market, with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid showing strong interest in him. The 29-year-old defender is currently in pre-season training with FC Barcelona after two seasons on loan and faces a crucial moment in deciding his future.
Longley has two years left on his contract with Barcelona, which doesn't expire until June 2026 However, with the transfer window approaching, he has begun in-depth talks with another club about a loan move, with the hope of securing an option to buy from one of his target clubs. Such an arrangement would ensure that he has a ball to play in the new season, while leaving more possibilities for his future career.
Villarreal and Atletico Madrid stand out among the many clubs interested in Langerle. Both La Liga powerhouses could offer Langré the chance to continue competing in Europe's top leagues, which would undoubtedly be a huge attraction for him. Despite a more lucrative financial offer from the Saudi Arabian league, Langrée clearly values the level of competition and personal development in Europe.
In Barcelona's pre-season training, Longley has shown good competitive status. Not only has he performed well against key opponents such as Manchester City, Real Madrid and AC Milan during the team's U.S. tour, but he has also worn the captain's armband, earning the recognition of his teammates and coaching staff. Since his move from Sevilla to Barcelona in 2018, Longley has been performing satisfactorily in training, which has led current manager Frick to hold a positive attitude towards him.
However, due to Barcelona's constraints under the financial fairness rules, the club currently prefers to let Langrée leave the club on loan with an option to buy attached. Such an option would ease Barcelona's financial pressure and provide a new platform for Langré to showcase his strengths. Ultimately, where Longley goes will depend on the outcome of the negotiations between him and the potential buyer, as well as Frick's consideration of the squad.
